Style as Language: The Transformation and Identity behind Fashion with Rachel Hills

In this episode of Style POV, I sit down with journalist Rachel Hills to explore how personal style can be both a tool for self-expression and a form of self-transformation.

You’ve seen Rachel’s work in Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Elle, The Sydney Morning Herald, and The New York Times—and in our chat, she shares the early influences that shaped her style and how it’s evolved into something that holds both power and connection.

We dive into her behind-the-scenes experiences at some of fashion’s most iconic shows, her thoughts on the rise of "it girls", and what today’s TikTok-driven trends say about how we dress. Rachel also opens up about navigating the balance between novelty and sustainability, and how AI is beginning to shift the way we think about fashion.

If you’ve ever wondered how the industry insiders see style—or what it looks like to define your look in a fast-moving world—this episode is one to press play on.

Rachel's Companion Article: How We Dress for Power- and for Eachother

Full Show Notes: https://gabriellearruda.com/style-as-a-tool-for-self-expression-and-self-transformation-with-rachel-hills/

Where to Find Rachel:

Heart Talk by Rachel Hills Substack

Instagram: @msrachelhills

Legacy Article Referenced { why every creator needs an archive-before it's too late}

Rachel's Kibbe Article

00:00 – Intro To Rachel Hills, journalist 
01:21 – In Love with Fashion but trend-resistant
05:27 – Fashion as Expression or Transformation?
06:04 – Using Fashion to Create Connections
08:12 – TikTok Trends
10:54 – The Era of Influencers
14:04 – Democratizing Fashion
15:37 – The Rise of “It Girls”
24:40 – The Language of Fashion: A Gift or Learned?
28:30 – Evolution of Fashion Shows
30:27 – Building Your Fashion Legacy
32:58 – Fashion and AI
34:32 – Novelty vs Sustainability
36:35 – Being Fashionable and Intellectual at the Same Time
43:58 – Her Fashion Moment
47:11 – Final Thoughts + Reflections

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Disclaimer: The Style POV Podcast content is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts and guests are their own. Gabrielle Arruda is not liable for any errors or omissions, and listeners use the information at their own risk.